The chief executive of Diabetes UK, Douglas Smallwood, reportedly commented: "It is shocking that more than half a million people are going about their daily lives unaware they have a condition that puts them at greater risk of devastating complications. Some people can go undiagnosed for up to 12 years and around half of people with Type 2 diabetes are already showing signs of complications when they are diagnosed, due to their diagnosis being later than it should be."

He reportedly concluded: "This is a tragedy as diabetes is a manageable condition and many people live full and healthy lives. The sooner people are diagnosed, the sooner they can start treating their condition and taking control of their lives."